USA by the Bay to Host Talk on Baldwin County's Growth and the Future of Real Estate
Posted on July 22, 2026
The University of South Alabama will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping
one of Alabama's fastest-growing regions during the next USA by the Bay Speaker Series event on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the USA by the Bay campus auditorium in downtown Fairhope.
Dr. Grayson Glaze, distinguished professor of real estate in the Mitchell College of Business, will lead an industry panel discussion, "Building Baldwin County: Balancing Real
Estate, Growth and Community," to explore the opportunities and challenges of managing
rapid growth while preserving the unique character of local communities.
The presentation also will highlight the continued growth of the University's real
estate program, which launched as a full undergraduate major last fall. Glaze will
discuss the program's rapid momentum, including student enrollment that has doubled
during his first year at South, and how it is preparing the next generation of real
estate professionals to support Alabama's growing communities.
Special guests will include University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, Executive
Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent, current students, and local real estate
and business professionals. A reception will follow the presentation.
The event schedule:
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.
- Reception begins at 6:30 p.m.
Glaze joined the Mitchell College of Business faculty in 2025 as professor and director
of the real estate program. He is leading the program's transition to a full undergraduate
major after more than two decades at the University of Alabama, where he served as
executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate and helped build one of the
nation's largest academic real estate programs.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Glaze earned his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham
School of Law. Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with extensive
industry experience as a real estate broker, advisor and property developer. He also
holds several nationally recognized professional designations, including Counselor
of Real Estate, Certified Property Manager through the Institute of Real Estate Management,
and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) through the CCIM Institute.
USA by the Bay events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and advance
registration is required. To register or learn more, visit SouthAlabama.edu/SpeakerSeries.
